Playing host to conference foe, Illinois-Chicago, and non-conference rival, Iowa, the Illinois State gymnastics team will hold its last regular-season home meet, Friday February 20 at Horton Field House.
The triangular meet is slated to start at 7 p.m.
Although they posted their highest balance beam and vault scores of the season at their last home meet, the Redbirds are coming off a February 11 loss to Southeast Missouri State.
Fridays meet will also be senior night for the four seniors on the Birds roster. Pam Hoover, Lisa Klein, Lindsay Klinefelter and Kerry Tierney, will be honored with a brief ceremony prior to the tri-meet.
Illinois State head coach Kristin Montero is looking forward to the night of recognition for her senior gymnasts.
I think everyone is really excited for Friday because it is our final meet as a host, and is also our senior meet, Montero said. It will give us a chance to honor the ladies who are finishing up this year and let them know how important they have been to the success of ISU.
Montero is also expecting the last home action of the season to provide great competition for the squad.
UIC and Iowa are very solid teams, said Montero. These teams will definitely raise the bar on the level of gymnastics that will be seen on Friday. If the team can stay focused and confident with our routines, I believe the Redbirds will rise to the occasion.
Illinois-Chicago travels downstate after a breakthrough performance on February 14, as the Flames posted their high score of the season (195.050) with a win over Ball State. Jackie Jaworowiczs first all-around title led the team to their finest performance of 2004.
Iowa comes into the meet with a February 14 win over Maryland. The team defeated Maryland in record-breaking fashion, with a school-high 197.150. This win moved the Hawkeyes to 5-3 on the season.
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